Aid and Attendance is a frequently used phrase used to describe a benefit that might be available to a veteran as part of the VA’s disability pension, or to the surviving spouse of a Veteran as part of the VA’s death pension – as long as the veterans served at least 90 days of active duty and at least one of those days was served during war time.

“Aid and Attendance” refers to the fact that for this particular pension benefit, the claimant must demonstrate a regular need for the aid and attendance of a caregiver or the need to live in a protected environment because of physical or mental impairment. If the veteran does not require aid and attendance, but has a low household income, they may be eligible for a base pension of a lesser dollar amount.

As long as the veteran meets the service requirements for the Aid and Attendance program, and it has been determined there is a medical need for care, the veteran can apply for the Aid and Attendance program. There are however financial restrictions on those who qualify for the program, and many times veterans with higher levels of assets will need to seek help with asset structuring to qualify for the program.

For 2009 the maximum annual benefit for those qualifying for the Aid & Attendance level of pension is:

Surviving Spouse of a Veteran: $12,681

Veteran with no Spouse or dependent children: $19,736

A married Veteran where the Veteran requires care: $23,396

If the Veteran is healthy, but their Spouse requires care, then the Veteran qualifies for a regular pension only: $15,493

The ultimate purpose of the Aid & Attendance pension benefit is to provide veterans or their surviving spouses with additional resources so that they can afford care in their time of need.

The VA Aid and Attendance benefit program is an amazing program that, unfortuneately, isn’t as well known as it should be. The fact that it gives veterans the hope of a dignified existence that otherwise wouldn’t be available is reason enough to make sure all veterans are aware that it exists. Qualifying for the benefit isn’t hard, and with the help of qualified professionals, it can be a painless and simple process.

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